Fiona Rutherford

Fiona Rutherford

Profile

Fiona Rutherford uses the historical technique of tapestry weaving to create textiles for contemporary interiors. A limited colour palate and the careful balance of patterns and mark making form the fragmented images of her designs.

Fiona Rutherford uses the historical technique of tapestry weaving to create textiles for contemporary interiors. She loves the emotional impact of colour, creating an immediate sense of energy through a vivid but limited palate that contradicts the slow process of making. Fiona weaves in cotton and linen yarns to create a clean, crisp texture. Japanese textiles have influenced her recent work. This has led her to experiment with ways of deconstructing tapestry presentation on and off the wall. Woven strips, based on the obi or kimono sash have become a vehicle for randomly connecting imagery that suggests the border of a larger unseen design.

These strips can be hung vertically or horizontally in different locations to create a completely different visual effect. The imagery is a careful balance of patterns, symbols and mark making. Faded remnants, selvedges, patches and stitching make reference to the human history held in cloth. An intimacy of weaving and storytelling fascinates her. Bringing together the past and present in something new and unfolding. Fiona has exhibited her work widely in the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia and America. In 2005 she had a major solo touring exhibition “The Red Thread” funded by Arts Council England. In 2008 she was visiting artist at the Australian National University in Canberra. Her work is held in major Public Collections.